Impact of pregnancy on sexuality : a cross-sectional study of 100 tunisian women

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Published Mar 7, 2018
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Vol. 95 No. 7 (2017): Issue Jul 2017

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Talel Badri
Amira Maamri
Yousri EL Kissi

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy is a period during which anatomical, physiological and psychological changes may affect couple sexuality.

Aim: To determine the knowledge and practices in sexuality, and identify the particularities of the sexual function during pregnancy.

Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study of pregnant women who responded to a questionnaire sent by Internet through a social network.

Results: Ninety-one percent of the 100 enrolled women were aged 25 to 34 years; 97% had a university education, and 66% were in the third quarter. Ninety-four percent of women thought that sexual intercourse is possible during pregnancy. The main reason to continue having sex during pregnancy was to have pleasure for either partner (87%). The reasons not to have sex were mainly fatigue (63%) and discomfort (51%). The main sources of information were the Internet (82%) and physicians (70%). During pregnancy, 92% of women continued to have sex with, however, a reduced frequency compared to the period before pregnancy. Fifty-five percent of women had a decreased desire level, and sexual satisfaction was also decreased in 43% of women. Sexual desire and lubrication were present half the time or more in the second quarter in, respectively, 69% and 55% of pregnant women. The difference with pregnant women in the first and third quarters was statistically significant.

Conclusion: Our study focused on women who had most often access to scientific information about pregnancy and sexuality. The pleasure was the main reason to continue having sexual activity. The second quarter was the most sexually "rich" period.

Keywords:

Pregnancy, sexuality, sexual disorders.

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